B-Side Guys

There’s a particular cultural alchemy that happens when artists recognize a musical era has aged just enough to trigger nostalgia without feeling dated. Obeeyay and Maya Malkin have pinpointed this sweet spot precisely with “we good or what?”—a track that doesn’t just reference 2010s dance-pop but reimagines its essence for contemporary sensibilities.

The collaboration showcases Obeeyay’s versatility as both songwriter and performer. After cutting his teeth writing for established stars like Brandy, Queen Latifah, and JoJo in Los Angeles, his return to Utah has allowed for a more defined personal artistic vision. This bicoastal perspective permeates the production—blending mainstream polish with an outsider’s willingness to subvert expectations.

From its opening measures, “we good or what?” establishes a tropical house framework that feels simultaneously familiar and refreshed. The percussion creates immediate physical engagement while synth elements provide atmospheric depth. This layered approach creates sonic real estate for both artists to occupy without competition—allowing their vocal interplay to develop naturally throughout the track.

Thematically, the song embraces unapologetic hedonism with surprising nuance. Rather than simply celebrating excess, the lyrics position lavish living as backdrop for emotional vulnerability. The titular question itself—casual in phrasing but profound in implication—captures relationship anxiety masked by bravado. This tension between outward confidence and inner uncertainty gives substance to what might otherwise be merely stylish surface.

For an artist whose previous claim to fame includes reimagining the “Sunflower” track from “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” Obeeyay demonstrates similar transformative skills here. The production acknowledges its 2010s R&B influences while incorporating contemporary electronic elements that prevent the track from becoming mere pastiche. This careful balance creates music that functions both as party soundtrack and thoughtful exploration of relationship dynamics.

Malkin’s contributions add crucial textural variation, creating conversational elements that enhance the track’s narrative dimension. The vocal chemistry between the collaborators suggests emotional history rather than merely commercial pairing—giving authenticity to the song’s exploration of romantic uncertainty.

As Utah’s homegrown performer who’s graduated to entertaining Utah Jazz game crowds, Obeeyay has clearly internalized how to create music that connects with live audiences. “we good or what?” seems engineered for precisely this purpose—providing both immediate danceability and enough lyrical substance to reward repeated listening.